Welcome

Welcome to the Know the Cause website! On this site, you will find a wealth of information covering the science of fungi, molds and yeasts and their effect on human health. Whether you are a long time fan of our television show, Know the Cause, or you are new to the entire fungal philosophy, this site will become a valuable health resource for you.

The Fungus Link to Disease PhilosophyPhase One and Two of The Kaufmann Diet were designed with an idea in mind: Fungi and yeasts can become parasitic organisms on and inside our body, causing health problems that can be difficult to diagnose. Often and unknowingly, we feed these parasites via our diet. Fungi crave sugar, and if you have a fungal infection, their cravings often become your cravings. Sugar does not simply come in the form of candy, soda and other obvious “junk foods”; the carbohydrates from grains, potatoes, corn and corn products, certain fruits, breads, pasta, alcohol and other staples of the standard American diet are just as effective at feeding a parasitic fungal organism.

For many, the Kaufmann Diet begins as a test: Do your symptoms subside or cease after following the diet for 30 or 60 days? Does your brain fog clear? Does the chronic pain, fatigue or general malaise dissipate? Does the weight fall off? If so, you may have discovered that fungi and yeasts may be a root cause of the health problems you have been experiencing.

What To Expect When Starting The Phase One Diet

When beginning the Kaufmann Diet, some might experience an exacerbation of symptoms, initially, and some might experience flu-like symptoms or other intense discomfort. This reaction is known as a Herxheimer reaction, and it could be the result of fungal die-off. As fungi begin to die and their poisonous byproducts begin flushing out of your system, it can cause discomfort, symptoms of being sick or an initial worsening of existing problems. This is temporary, and somewhat ironically, it may be a good sign that you’ve taken the first step towards better health––ridding your body of a health-destroying, parasitic organism.

Still for others, results may not be so quick or so dramatic. For those whose results come more slowly: Please give the diet time to work. Your health problems likely did not develop overnight, and any solution will not likely resolve your problems overnight, either.

Phase One - More Than a Diet: Lifestyle Change

While the Kaufmann Diet begins as a test, its ultimate goal is lifestyle change. While the idea of abstaining from their favorite foods does not sound particularly appealing to most people, their mind is often changed by how good they feel after following the diet for 30 or 60 days. And, people generally find their tastes change; after eliminating sugar for a month, the ice-cream, soda or candy that many crave now taste nauseatingly sweet.

Phase One of The Kaufmann Diet is the most restrictive of the diets; after a period of time, most people graduate from Phase One Diet to the Phase Two of The Kaufmann Diet, which is less restrictive. This diet is intended to be more lifestyle-friendly while still promoting health and protecting against fungi. If at any point symptoms return, it is recommended that you return to Phase One Diet. Knowing which foods can trigger symptoms is a key part of using diet to control symptoms.

Adding Sensible Exercise

For many, this may be your first foray into a healthy lifestyle. Good for you! Proper diet is one of the most critical components for achieving and maintaining good health. Once your diet is changed, you may find yourself feeling stronger and more energetic. While we focus on dietary changes to promote good health and fight fungus, exercise is a critical component to good health that must not be overlooked; with your new-found energy, consider starting a sensible exercise regimen. Starting slowly and building towards a more intense regimen might be a good idea, especially if you are new to exercising. Always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen.

Where Do I Go From Here?

Listed below as part of our Getting Started page are more links to help you better understand the diets, foods allowed and disallowed on the diets, and notes on specific health problems. For more in depth discussions on specific health problems, visit our store; there, you will find a volume of books written by Doug Kaufmann, cook books with recipes fitting within the Phase one and Two framework and our audiobooks. On the menu above, you will also find our Health Blog, which is regularly updated with articles on diet, healthy lifestyle and other related subjects. On the health blog drop down menu, you will also find the Science of Fungus section, which is regularly updated by one of America’s foremost experts on the science of fungus and human health, Luke Curtis, MD. This information is technical, but it constitutes a valuable resource and may prove to be a good resource for your doctor or licensed healthcare provider.

Dairy

Many copies of our books containing the Kaufmann Diet allow for certain cheeses and cream while on Phase one or Two of The Kaufmann Diet. The Kaufmann Diet is still evolving, and while we like to keep the diet open to new information that comes out about any and all foods (especially whether or not those foods may be suitable for an anti-fungal diet) the most recent versions of The Kaufmann Diet exclude most dairy, including cheese and cream.

Most dairy products contain a sugar called lactose. (The suffix “-ose” in any word denotes sugar.) Avoiding lactose, like any other kind of sugar, is key on the Phase one Diet. Pathogenic fungi necessitate sugar to survive, and they aren’t picky about where that sugar comes from. Avoiding all kinds of sugar is recommended on the Kaufmann Diet, even sugar from dairy. This includes milk, cream and cheeses.

Plain, organic (preferably derived from grass-fed cows) yogurt is allowed on the Phase one Diet, as is butter.

A note on goat’s milk products: Goat cheese is significantly lower in lactose than cow’s milk, which is why many who are lactose intolerant can tolerate it. Goat’s milk and and cheese is allowed in extreme moderation, primarily on the Phase two Diet.

Butter

*Allowed Phase One/Two

Try to avoid butter from conventionally raised cattle in favor of butter from grass-fed cattle.

Yogurt

*Allowed Phase One/Two

Look for plain, organic yogurt with active cultures. The health-promoting bacteria inherent in yogurt can help re-culture the terrain of the gut, which can become imbalanced when yeast overgrowth is present. Avoid flavored yogurts or yogurts with added sugar.

Goat Milk Products

Allowed Phase One/Two

(Enjoy in Moderation)Goat milk products are lower in lactose than cow’s milk products. Included are goat yogurt, goat milk and goat cheese.

Grains, Pseudo Grains and Flours

One of the key components of The Kaufmann Diet is the minimizing of carbohydrates, especially grains. The reason for this is two fold: The carbohydrate content of grains––which quickly converts to sugar upon digestion––can perpetuate a pathogenic fungal infection, and because of they way grains are grown, stored and transported, they are commonly contaminated with mycotoxins. This was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2002.

One of the first questions many people ask when starting Phase one of the Kaufmann Diet is, “Can I have (insert grain product here)?” Generally, the answer is no. Elimination of grains is critical to the Phase one Diet’s success. There are, however, grain products––specifically, pseudo grains––that are permitted on the Phase one Diet. Most nut flours and nut meals are allowed on Phase one diet, as well. (Remember that peanuts and pistachios are disallowed on Phase one and Phase two Diets.)

Phase Two of the Kaufmann Diet is more lenient on certain, specific grain products, but even that leniency comes with the caveat to enjoy in moderation. If at any time on Phase two, should symptoms return, resorting to the more restrictive Phase one may be necessary.

Listed below are grain products and some information about whether they are permitted on The Kaufmann Diet.

Quinoa

Allowed Phase One/Two

Quinoa has been a staple of the Andean diet for hundreds of years, but it has only become popularized in the United States during the last few years. Quinoa is actually a grain-like seed, and not technically a grain. It’s texture, however, is similar to that of rice. It is in the same botanical family as Swiss chard and spinach. It is a complete protein that can also be ground into flour

Teff

Allowed Phase One/Two

Teff has an attractive nutrition profile, being high in dietary fiber and iron and providing protein and calcium. It is similar to millet and Quinoa in cooking, but the seed is much smaller and cooks faster.

Arrowroot

Allowed Phase One/Two

Arrowroot flour (or arrowroot powder) is made from a root and works well as a substitute for cornstarch in recipes.

Tapioca

Allowed Phase One/Two

Tapioca is extracted from the root of the cassava plant, which is native to Brazil. It can also be ground into flour and substituted for cornstarch.

Amaranth

Allowed Phase One/Two

Amaranth is a grain-like seed indigenous to Central America. It was a staple of Aztec fare. Like Quinoa, it is in the same family as chard and spinach. It has only recently become popular enough to find in most health food stores.

Buckwheat

Allowed Phase One/Two

Buckwheat is a grain-like seed related to rhubarb that is rich in flavonoids such as rutin. It is thought to help prevent high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Be careful with buckwheat products; most buckwheat pancake products are mixes that contain disallowed grain products.

Millet

Allowed Phase One/Two

Millet is generally high in copper and manganese. It is a staple in African countries and has been consumed for millennia. Millet is OK for Phase one and Phase two Diets.

Brown Rice

Allowed Phase Two

Brown rice is higher in protein and nutrients than plain, white rice.

Oats

Allowed Phase Two

These include rolled oats, steel cut oats and oatmeal.

Barley

Allowed Phase Two

Barley is a cereal grain that is particularly high in fiber. It is also high in other nutrients, including selenium. Barley is thought to provide numerous health benefits, but as a grain, it should be enjoyed in moderation while on Phase two.

Flour Tortillas

Allowed Phase Two

Flour tortillas are allowed in moderation on the Phase two Diet. Remember, that grains are commonly contaminated with mycotoxins, so enjoy with caution.

Sourdough Bread

*Allowed Phase Two

Look for yeast-free varieties.

Wheat

Not Allowed

Wheat is one of the key foods on the Phase one Diet that is eliminated. All forms of wheat––whether it is whole wheat or refined wheat––is eliminated from the diet. This includes anything made with or containing with, including (but not limited to) bread, pasta, baked goods, crackers, cereals and tortillas. Also, foods made with components of wheat, such as wheat germ, are eliminated. Be sure to read the ingredients list of any prepackaged foods to be sure wheat is not an ingredient; you will likely be surprised at how many places you will find it.

Corn

Not Allowed

Corn is another food that is specifically strictly off limits on all phases on the diet. In addition, any food made with corn or products synthesized from corn is off limits as well. These include corn bread, corn chips, corn tortillas, foods with corn syrup or corn starch, etc. Corn is universally contaminated with mycotoxins according to research, and as such, is disallowed from all diets.

Rye

Not Allowed

Rye is particularly susceptible to mycotoxins and not allowed on any either of the diets.

Rice

*Not Allowed

With the exception of brown rice, rice is discouraged while on The Phase one and Phase two Diet.

Spelt

Not Allowed

Similar to spelt, Kamut is a species of grain and is discouraged on The Phase one and Phase two Diets.

Kamut

Not Allowed

Similar to spelt, Kamut is a species of grain and is discouraged on The Phase one and Phase two Diets.

Sorghum

Not Allowed

Sorghum is a variety of grain and should be avoided on The Phase one and Phase two Diets.

Sugar and Sugar Substitutes

On the Kaufmann Diet, limiting sugar is key; it is a foundational tenant of the anti-fungal philosophy. The reason for this is two-fold: sugar in the diet may contribute to a pathogenic fungal infection, by “feeding the fungi”, which thrive in a high sugar environment. Concomitantly, sugar, itself, comes with the risk of mycotoxin contamination. For those new to the idea that fungi can cause serious health problems, mycotoxins are fungal poisons that can cause serious, deleterious health effects in humans. These poisons can contaminate parts of our food supply. Specifically, grains, corn, peanuts and sugar are at risk.

Giving up sugar, however, can be a very difficult feat for many people. Sugar is known to be an addictive substance, and cravings for it can be overwhelming. To this end, there are a number of sugar substitutes on the market. Many of these are marketed as healthier alternatives, but have, themselves, been shown to pose some problem or another to good health. Many of them have also been shown to have addictive properties.

Addictions to sweets and sugary foods can be one of the biggest roadblocks to health and vitality, and replacing one addictive substance with another doesn’t necessarily solve the problem. Most sugar substitutes are discouraged on Phase one and Phase two of the Kaufmann Diet. There are only three sweeteners that are allowed on The Kaufmann Diet.

Stevia

*Allowed Phase One/Two

Stevia, is a plant derived herbal sweetener many times sweeter than sugar. It can be found in powdered or liquid form. Make certain it is not added to several other sweeteners, as is often the case.

Xylitol

Allowed Phase One/Two

Derived from the birch tree, xylitol works well as a sugar substitute in baking and has been shown to have some Anti-fungal properties. (Some purveyors sell xylitol derived from corn. This is still permissible on the diets; if you are worried about mycotoxin contamination, look for varieties exclusively derived from birch trees.)

Honey

*Allowed Phase Two

Honey is allowed in extreme moderation on Phase Two of the diet. It is high in natural sugars, and if it at any time you experience health problems, or if they return upon the inclusion of honey in your diet, it should be cut out from your diet entirely. Be sure to look for raw, unfiltered and preferably local varieties. Real honey contains many health-promoting compounds and may even help combat local allergies.

Oils

The paradigm on fats and oils has dramatically changed over the course of the last half century. Ostensibly, foods high in fat caused one to be fat and contributed to heart problems, or so the thinking went for many years. Since, we’ve discovered that certain kinds of fats and oils contribute to health; in fact, they are vitally important for good health. Many promote heart health, not detract from it. Many aid in the absorption of other nutrients, provide energy and support virtually every system in the body. Such a shift in thought goes to show just how dramatically minds can change in the world of health and nutrition, and just how far conventional thinking can be from the truth.

Oils are an important part of the The Kaufmann Diet. In addition to providing benefits and support for many body systems, they are an excellent, flavorful source of energy and important for cooking. Some are better suited for cooking that others, some are better consumed in a more raw state, and some are perfect for either.

Below is a list of oils, many of which are included on Phase one and Phase two of The Kaufmann Diet. As a rule, cold-pressed, virgin, extra virgin and unrefined oils are encouraged. Organic is best when possible. For those oils that are discouraged, we try to give explanations as to why they are not recommended on either of the diets.

Coconut Oil

Allowed Phase One/Two

Coconut oil has a number of applications, both for cooking and topically. Look for raw, cold-pressed (which will have more coconut flavor) or expeller pressed (which will have less flavor), preferably organic. These types of coconut oil are recommended for both phases of the diet and are perfect for cooking (coconut oil has a high smoke point) or for other applications. Coconut oil has the added benefit of being naturally Anti-fungal, which makes it ideal for use on Phase one and Phase two. However, coconut oil can come in varieties that have been hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated––these kinds are best to avoid.

Olive Oil

Allowed Phase One/Two

Olive oil is a commodity with a history reaching back to antiquity, and it has long been known to have medicinal properties. Olive oil is known to promote heart health and skin health. It is high in vitamin E, polyphenols and antioxidants. Olive oil comes in extra virgin, virgin and refined forms; refined forms are best to avoid when possible. Look for extra virgin, cold-pressed and organic when possible. Olive oil is delicious raw and has many uses in its raw form. Be cognizant when cooking with olive oil––the smoke point can vary and may be lower than other kinds of oils.

Avocado Oil

Allowed Phase One/Two

Avocado oil is high in vitamin E and monounsaturated fats. It is also thought that avocado oil can enhance certain nutrient absorption, such as carotenoids. Avocado oil generally has a higher smoke point than many oils, which makes it ideal for cooking when high temperatures must be used. It is also perfectly fine to consume raw. Avocado oil comes in refined and un-refined forms. Though refined avocado oil has a higher smoke point than unrefined, it is recommend to look for unrefined.

Grass-Fed Butter

Allowed Phase One/Two

Butter is one food that was strongly condemned when it was unilaterally recommended to avoid fat. Since then, it has been discovered that many of the substitutes for butter posed far worse of a threat to your health than butter, itself. Just like the debate over meat and fat, the question of whether butter is OK to eat is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Butter from conventionally raised cows––cows given hormones, antibiotics and fed an unnatural diet of corn––is likely something you should avoid. However, butter from grass-fed cows is much higher in nutrients, including beta-carotene, and may promote healthy blood lipid levels and overall heart health as opposed to detracting from it. For Phase one and Phase two, look for butter from grass-fed cows, and avoid butter from conventionally raised animals, which holds the potential for mycotoxin contamination.

Macadamia Nut Oil

Allowed Phase One/Two

Macadamia nut oil has a rich, buttery flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking. It also has a fairly stable shelf life, outlasting many other types of oils. It is also remarkably resistant to rancidity compared to other oils. It is high in monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, and provides anti-oxidative support, as well. It is also thought to have benefits for the skin and can be used topically.

Flaxseed Oil

Allowed Phase One/Two

Flaxseed oil is high in Omega 3 fatty acid and is often recommended as a source of Omega 3 for vegetarians and vegans reluctant to use fish oil. Flax oil is thought to have a number of health benefits, including heart benefits and prevention of cancer. It can quickly go rancid, however, and requires refrigeration. Even with refrigeration, its shelf life is typically only a few weeks. It typically isn’t used as a cooking oil.

Walnut Oil

Allowed Phase One/Two

Walnut oil is a delicate, nutty oil. It is not recommended for cooking; heat can destroy the nutrient content and ruin the flavor, but it is often used in colder dishes. It is high in antioxidants, phytonutrients, selenium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium. Its Omega 3 content provides heart support, as well. It is best used within 6 months of purchase.

Almond Oil

Allowed Phase One/Two

Almond oil has many uses both internally and topically. Almond oil is often recommended for topical uses, including applications for both skin and hair, but many studies suggest that almond oil has potential heart health benefits and is an excellent source of vitamin E. It isn’t typically used to cook with but is best consumed in its raw state.

The following oils are discouraged on both Phase one and Phase two.

Sunflower Oil

Discouraged/Not Allowed

Sunflower oil is high in vitamin E and can be part of a healthy diet if used in moderation and in its un-hydrogenated state. Sunflower oil is very high in Omega 6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation inside the body when consumed in a much higher proportion than Omega 3s. Sunflower oil is typically found in many processed foods you should be avoiding on the Phase one Diet; it is often used in a hydrogenated form in those foods.

Sesame Oil

Discouraged/Not Allowed

Sesame oil is often used in many types of Asian fare, and it comes in different varieties. It can be used to cook with or as a flavor enhancer. Darker sesame oil is best used as a flavor enhancer, while the lighter varieties have a higher smoke point and are more suitable for cooking. Sesame oil is high in Omega 6 fatty acids, so it is in the same category as sunflower oil in terms of use––moderate use is likely OK. There is some evidence that when used topically, sesame oil has some anti fungal properties.

Grape Seed Oil

Discouraged/Not Allowed

Grape seed oil is high in Omega 6 fatty acids and fairly low in Omega 3s. Unless it is otherwise stated, it is typically extracted via harsh chemical processes. Its smoke point is relatively high. It is typically low in the proanthocyanidins and other antioxidants found in grapes, themselves, and has been found to be high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known carcinogens. It’s smoke point is relatively high, which makes it useful for cooking, but it it might be an oil to avoid given the rest of its nutritional profile.

Palm Oil

Not Allowed

Palm oil is one of the most consumed plant oils in the world next to soybean oil. In its raw state, it has been shown to have some health benefits, but it is typically used and consumed in its refined state. Palm oil in its refined state has been found to be detrimental to good health, and is found in many processed and prepackaged foods; its saturated fat content is similar to butter, and as companies have moved away from using hydrogenated oils, palm oil has become a popular substitute. Many of the foods palm oil is typically found in will not be foods permitted on The Phase one Or Phase two Diet, so it is generally recommended to avoid it.

Corn Oil

Not Allowed

Fueled by heavy government subsidization, corn’s cheap cost to produce and versatility as a food product have allowed it and its components to become nearly ubiquitous in the American food chain. Corn oil is one component synthesized from corn. According to research, corn is universally contaminated with mycotoxins. Therefore, as part of the Phase one and Phase two Diets, corn or any of its subsequent products are disallowed, including corn oil.

Peanut Oil

Not Allowed

Similar to corn, peanuts and components of peanuts are used throughout the food system. Peanuts are notoriously contaminated with mold and, subsequently, their mycotoxins. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid anything made from or containing peanuts, including peanut oil.

Canola Oil

Not Allowed

Canola oil is the name given to rapeseed oil and is a commonly used vegetable oil. It’s extraction process is typically an intense process involving heat and chemicals such as hexane, meaning it is a heavily refined oil. 90% of the world’s supply of rapeseeds that are used for canola oil are genetically modified. Canola is used in many processed foods not permitted on Phase one or Phase two. It is best to avoid canola when possible.

Soybean Oil

Not Allowed

Soybean oil is one of the most widely consumed oils in the world. It is typically found in a hydrogenated form in processed foods. Much of the soybean oil available comes from genetically modified sources. Soybeans also run the risk of mycotoxin contamination and are high in plant estrogens. Avoid soybeans and soy products while on Phase one or Phase two.

Vegetable Oil

Not Allowed

The term vegetable oil can refer to any plant extracted oil that is liquid at room temperature. Vegetable oil can refer to oils of palm, soybean, rapeseed, sunflower seed, peanut, cottonseed, palm kernel, coconut and olive, among others. Excluding those listed above that are encouraged on the diets, vegetable oils are generally heavily refined, hydrogenated, extracted in unhealthy ways, high in Omega 6 and generally discouraged.

Margarine

Not Allowed

This unnatural substitute for butter is usually high in vegetable oils and often hydrogenated. It should be avoided on Phase one and Phase two.

Shortening

Not Allowed

Shortening is vegetable oil that is solid at room temperature. It is generally hydrogenated and should be avoided on Phase one and Phase two.

Vegetables

Vegetables comprise a large portion of what is recommended on the Kaufmann Diet. Generally speaking, vegetables are rich in an array of phytonutrients and fiber. Vegetables are nearly unilaterally recommend on any sort of diet; science continues to show that eating vegetables contributes to good health.

The term vegetable encompasses a broad array of foods, and while vegetables are encouraged on the both phases of the diet, there are some foods commonly thought of as vegetables that are not, in fact, vegetables. When talking about the foods recommended on the Kaufmann Diet, it is easier to outline what “vegetables” aren’t allowed.

Corn

Not Allowed

Corn is a grain that is commonly mistaken for a vegetable. Corn is not allowed on The Phase one or Phase two Diet.

Mushrooms

Not Allowed

Mushrooms are a fungus, and are not allowed on the Phase one or Two Diets. Any sort of “fungal food”, including anything made with yeast, nutritional yeast or baker’s yeast, is off limits on the diets.

Potatoes

*Not Allowed

These include new potatoes, yukon potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc. These plant foods are classified as tubers and are high in carbohydrates and sugar. Sweet potatoes are allowed in moderation on Phase Two because of their rich nutrient value.

Beans

*Allowed Phase Two

This includes green beans, black beans, etc. Beans are typically higher in carbohydrates. Some beans are allowed in moderation on the Phase two Diet.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are encouraged on the Kaufmann Diet. These include––but are not necessarily limited to––almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts, macadamias, etc.

Generally speaking, nuts and seeds are nutrient dense foods, containing high amounts of protein, fiber and healthy fats, including omega 3 fatty acids. Nuts were once demonized for their fat content, but science has gone on to show that the fats inherent in nuts may actually contribute to health, not detract from it. Many varieties contain nutrients like selenium, manganese, biotin and magnesium.

Nuts are easily portable and relatively caloric––meaning they contain high amounts of energy––which makes them a great snack on both the Phase one and Two of The Kaufmann Diet.

While nuts are encouraged on the diet, there are some specific varieties that are strongly discouraged on the diets. The following are not allowed on either phase of the Kaufmann Diet.

Peanuts

Not Allowed

Peanuts are in fact a legume, not a nut, which excludes them from the Phase one Diet. However, peanuts are also often contaminated with mycotoxins; for this reason, they are not allowed on any phase of the diet. This includes any component of peanuts, including peanut oil and peanut meal. Peanuts are common ingredients of processed foods; be sure to read the labels of any processed foods you buy.

Pistachios

Not Allowed

Pistachios are susceptible to mycotoxin contamination, and are not allowed on the Phase one or Two Diets.

Meat & Eggs

Meat is a cornerstone of The Kaufmann Diet. Until recent years, this flew in the face of conventional wisdom. For years, meat was known as what caused heart disease and weight gain; now, many diets for weight loss (and the subsequent heart benefits) recommend diets high in protein in place of high amounts of carbohydrates, with meat being a staple in such diets. While meat is not demonized the way it historically has been, inclusion of meat in the Phase one and Two of The Kaufmann Diet does come with some caveats.

The way we grow our food has changed dramatically in the last 200 years. In the modern world, many of the animals raised in the “conventional” manner are given antibiotics, growth hormones and fed an unnatural diet. Many of them are raised in cramped quarters where disease can spread (necessitating the prophylactic antibiotic regimen) and not given any access to exercise.

Organic meat is free of the hormones and antibiotics used in conventional farming, and for this reason, it is recommended to choose organic meats when possible. Remember: Antibiotics are by their nature mycotoxins, so any diet designed to limit mycotoxin intake would try to limit exposure to foods contaminated with antibiotics.

The best kind of meat to look for is meat that has been raised in a way that most mimics the way animals would live in the wild, or animals from the wild, themselves. For cattle, bison and lamb, this means grass-fed. (It should be noted that “grass fed” does not necessarily mean “grass finished”, since even some “organic meat” is subject to being fed copious amounts of grains in the final month of life. It is always best to look for or ask for “grass finished” meat. This meat forgoes the month of grain feeding.) For chicken and turkey, this means wild or pastured. For fish, this means wild-caught, etc.

Beef

Allowed Phase One/Two

When choosing beef, try to find beef that has been grass-fed and grass-finished. Conventionally raised cattle are fed an unnatural diet of grain; this puts their meat at risk for mycotoxin contamination and affects the quality of the meat, itself. Grass-fed beef is generally more nutritious with a healthier fat profile (grass-fed Beef is higher in omega 3 fatty acids) and is far less prone to mycotoxin contamination.

Bison

Allowed Phase One/Two

Bison, like cattle, are ruminants, meaning their natural diet is grass, not grain. Bison are more likely going to be grass-fed than cows; look for organic, grass-fed varieties.

Lamb

Allowed Phase One/Two

Look for grass-fed varieties.

Pork

Allowed Phase One/Two

Look for organically raised pork.

Chicken

Allowed Phase One/Two

Look for organic, pastured varieties.

Turkey, Other Fowl

Allowed Phase One/Two

Look for pastured turkeys as opposed to conventionally raised. Wild fowl is a great protein option, as well––this includes game birds.

Fish

Allowed Phase One/Two

Wild ocean-caught fish are always best. Try to avoid farm-raised fish. Certain varieties of fish are susceptible to contamination by toxic pollutants, such as mercury, and these may be best to limit or avoid all together (especially if you are pregnant). These are typically larger fish, such as certain types of tuna and shark.

Eggs

Allowed Phase One/Two

Eggs are encouraged on the Phase one and Two Diets. Organic eggs are best, and try to find eggs from pastured or free-range chickens.

Heavily Processed Meats

Not Allowed

This includes meat products, and some kinds of sausage. These are often laden with preservatives and may include sugar or grain products in their ingredients list. Reading ingredients lists are key.

Cured Meats

Not Allowed

Cured meats are often cured with sugar and run the risk of fungal/mycotoxin contamination. They are also typically high in sodium nitrite.

Fruits

Many diets encourage the inclusion of a copious amount of fresh fruit, and for good reason. Fruit is high in many vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients with known health benefits. On Phase one and Two of the Kaufmann Diet, some fruit is encouraged.

If you are suffering from a fungal infection, sugar might be complicit in perpetuating that infection, so while on Phase one and Two, limiting sugar intake is key. While many fruits may contain high amounts of health promoting compounds, many of those same fruits are also high in fructose, a form of sugar naturally occurring in fruit. For this reason, many fruits are discouraged while on the Phase one of the Kaufmann Diet. A greater variety of fruit can be enjoyed on the Phase two Diet.

Many of the fruits allowed on Phase one will be of the tarter variety, and they’ll typically be less sweet than those fruits that are discouraged. (In fact, if you are wondering whether a certain fruit is allowed on the diet, a taste-test may be a good meter; the sweeter a fruit is, the less likely it is that it will be allowed on Phase one.) Many of the fruits allowed on the diets, such as coconut and a number of the varieties of berries, contain Anti-fungal nutrients that may be beneficial for those fighting a fungal infection.

Green Apples

Allowed Phase One/Two

Green apples are allowed on the Phase one and Two Diets. Because of the higher fructose content, other varieties of apples are discouraged. Green apples are also higher in malic acid, which has Anti-fungal properties.

Avocado

Allowed Phase One/Two

Uncommonly thought of as a fruit, avocado is packed with healthy fats and oils and may provide support and benefits for heart, joints and skin health.

Berries

Allowed Phase One/Two

Most berries are allowed and even encouraged on Phase one and Two. Berries are typically lower in sugar and are high in nutrients, antioxidants and beneficial phytochemical. Many kinds of berries exhibit Anti-fungal activity, as well. Berries included on the Phase one and Two Diets include blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and tart cherries.

Coconut

Allowed Phase One/Two

Coconut and all of it’s components are low in sugar and high in health-promoting nutrients. Many components of coconut exhibit Anti-fungal activity, as well.

Grapefruit

Allowed Phase One/Two

Lemon/Lime

Allowed Phase One/Two

Tomato

Allowed Phase One/Two

The Following fruits are not allowed on the Phase one Diet

Most people are generally encouraged to eat more fruit by conventional wisdom, so many wonder why more fruits are not encouraged on the Phase one and Phase two Diets. While many fruits do contain an array of health-promoting nutrients, the fructose content therein prevents them from being encouraged on the Phase one Diet. Below are a list of common fruits that are discouraged on the Phase one Diets.

Apples (Any variety other than green)BananasGrapes, including RaisinsMelons, including Watermelon, Honeydew and CantaloupeOranges, including Clementines, Mandarins, Blood Oranges, Tangerines and NectarinesPearsApricotKiwiDateFigGuavaJackfruitMangoPapayaPassionfruitPeachPersimmonPlumPrunePineapplePomegranate

When you graduate to the Phase two Diet, more fruit can be enjoyed in moderation, with the exclusion of melons and oranges; caution is always advised with any of the sweeter varieties of fruits.